Drop Date Cookies

3 cups of flour
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of cloves
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
1 cup of lard or shortening
1 1/2 cup of brown sugar, firmly packed
3 eggs
1 tablespoon of cold water
1 cup of dates, cut up  

Instructions:

Sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves and baking soda. Set aside. Cream shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs and water. Gradually add dry ingredients, beating well after each addition. Stir in dates. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets. Bake in a 350ºF. oven for 20 minutes or until done. Cool on a wire rack. Makes 6 dozen